Intel Core i9-12900KS

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Intel Core i9-12900KS
Unless you absolutely need the fastest execution times, it'll be worth considering cheaper models from the Core i5 and Core i7 family. Spend the savings on a memory upgrade, bigger SSD, or more powerful graphics card. If you're building a super-high-end gaming powered by the RTX 3090 Ti and have a thousand dollars left, the Core i9-12900KS is probably what you should add next, and with that done, check out watercooling options.
– As reviewed by TechPowerUp on Apr 2022
16
Cores
24
Threads
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
5.5 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 1700
Socket
150 W
TDP
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Integrated Graphics
CPU Snapshot
Release date:Mar 22, 2022Price at Launch:$813
Type:DesktopSocket:Socket LGA 1700
Cores:16Threads:24
Performance Cores:8Efficient Cores:8
Multithreading:Yes
Clocks & Cache
Base Clock:3.4 GHzBoost Clock:5.5 GHz
Efficiency Core Clock:2.5 GHzL2 Cache:14 MB
L3 Cache:30 MB
Platform
Codename:Alder Lake-SProcess Size:Intel 7 (10nm)
Memory Support:DDR5-4800TDP:150 W
PCIe Support:PCIe 5.0, 20 LanesBox Cooler:No
Integrated Features
Integrated Graphics:YesiGPU Model:Intel UHD Graphics 770
NPU:No
Intel Core i9-13900KS
A newer model is available:
Intel Core i9-13900KS

Reviews and Ratings

82

Average Score

Based on 4 reviews

9.2

User Score

Based on 337 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Adds Thermal Velocity Boost and Adaptive Boost
  • Support for DDR5 and PCI-Express 5.0

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • No CPU cooler included
  • Integrated graphics not good enough for serious gaming
70

Its higher clock speeds give Intel's Core i9-12900KS a solid performance boost over the Core i9-12900K in some scenarios, but its steep price and hot-running tendencies hold it back.

By PCMag on
70

Core i9-12900KS has blazing performance but mainly demonstrates how Intel desperately needs to improve power draw and efficiency.

By KitGuru on
93

It comes at a price, but the Intel Core i9-12900KS "Alder Lake" processor is the best CPU currently available on Intel's 600 series platform.

By TweakTown on
95

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is the best a 12th Gen Intel CPU could be, but with the caveats that you're paying more in purchase costs, running costs and cooling costs when compared to the regular 12900K, and for some extra performance but not loads. Whether those are compromises and costs you're willing to make is up to you.

By OC3D on

However, the Core i9-12900KS might allow Intel to cling to the title of having the fastest gaming chip in the world, a nearly priceless distinction for the Alder Lake brand. Make no mistake: the Special Edition Core i9-12900KS is the fastest desktop PC chip ever built.

By Tom's Hardware on

Unless you absolutely need the fastest execution times, it'll be worth considering cheaper models from the Core i5 and Core i7 family. Spend the savings on a memory upgrade, bigger SSD, or more powerful graphics card. If you're building a super-high-end gaming powered by the RTX 3090 Ti and have a thousand dollars left, the Core i9-12900KS is probably what you should add next, and with that done, check out watercooling options.

By TechPowerUp on

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